Written by Andy McGregor
Directed by Julie Ellen
Musical Direction by Gary Cameron
We’ve all had a stressful first day. Maybe with work, at school, or just our first big day out in the world.
It’s Eric’s first day working in Santa’s Grotto – and though they’re excited at the opportunity, the weight of it all begins to bare down on the cheerful elf. Initially, a day of promise and magic soon turns sour, as Eric is left alone to prepare for the Christmas rush. Well, it’s a good thing we’re all here then, right? With a bunch of small human pals (and some bigger ones), Eric puts their faith in the children across Scotland to help ensure that the toys are prepped and Christmas (and Eric’s job) is saved for all!
A very special show from writer and composer Andy McGregor, Eric the Elf allows younger audiences the opportunity to flex their energy and curiosity for Christmas (and for the theatre) in a safe environment as they make friends with the titular Eric in a role alternating between Kristopher Bosch (this morning’s performance) and Royal Conservatoire Graduate Colum Findlay. Combining play, musical numbers, and some elements of interactivity, the Macroberts Christmas piece for smaller audiences offers something less chaotic than a pantomime but no less creative and engaging.
While not a pantomime, Eric the Elf has key elements of the genre’s tropes, utilised here for a more social purpose than chaotic. Children are encouraged to express themselves and use their voices, while Bosch gauges which audience members might need additional encouragement and which are just there to enjoy the magic of it all. There’s a fine understanding between Bosch (with Findlay) and Julie Ellen’s direction to encourage interactive elements of the show, without disrupting the pacing or endorsing a boisterous crowd.
It makes for a charmingly engaging show, one that balances some moments of high-octane energy with more serene and touching moments, Gary Cameron’s musical direction keeps it all moving forward, knowing when to slow it all down and embrace the softer moments of Eric the Elf’s composition and emotional beats where Bosch really gets into the drama of it all, and the difficulties Eric faces in feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Eric the Elf’s score has a stronger position than its musical numbers but is constructed more for ease of memory so younger audiences can join in – than for storytelling lyrics.
As Claire Halleran makes the Macroberts studio space feels exactly like a workshop for one of Santa’s elves – multi-layered, Eric the Elf doesn’t just comprise of a set at eye-level, instead reaching high into the rafters with windowpanes and falling snow, dark woods, semi-assembled toys, an enormous clock reminding us of how close we are to the big day a persistent reminder of time ticking by. It’s all staged with a storybook aesthetic, Elle Taylor’s lighting notably soft and without intrusion or unsightly over-saturation. It gives the show a serene, even gentle vibe, one of a flickering candle on the edge of a snow-laden window, capturing the tone perfectly.
Much of the show is held by its performance – in this case, Bosch who demonstrates an enviable naïve-charm and eagerness to forge friendships and build toys. Vocally, Bosch has an appropriate tone, one which softens and encourages, holding their projection to make sure the volume isn’t too startling for the youngsters. They demonstrate genuine glee as they make toys, figure out the clues, and engage with audiences from the front to back rows. It all culminates in a genuine moment of awe from the crowds as Eric nurtures a tiny baby reindeer into a small stuffed toy, and into a full puppet which trots around the stage.
While the madness of Aladdin’s comedic adventures occurs on the mainstage, audiences wandering into Eric the Elf’s workshop find an enchanting festive piece for young audiences. One which serves as an excellent way to introduce them to others, and to live performance, at their pacing. Pitched at just long enough to engage, short enough to feel complete, McGregor and Ellen revive a cheerful and charming production for young audiences, and is the ideal thing to open up just before the big day.
Cheerful and Charming
Eric the Elf runs at the Macroberts Arts Centre, Stirling until December 31st
Running time – Sixty minutes without interval
Photo credit – Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Review by Dominic Corr – contact@corrblimey.uk
Editor for Corr Blimey, and a freelance critic for Scottish publications, Dominic has been writing freelance for several established and respected publications such as The Skinny, Edinburgh Festival Magazine, The Reviews Hub, In Their Own League The Wee Review and Edinburgh Guide. As of 2023, he is a panel member and judge of the Critic’s Award for Theatre Scotland and a member of the UK Film Critics.
